The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line has been remade since Aaron Donald’s retirement, with players such as Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford comprising the interior of the line. All three players play pivotal roles up front, but none is more important than Turner.
He’s a wrecking ball and high-motor player, always giving it 100% on every snap. He doesn’t take a play off, which is why his numbers have been so impressive the last three seasons.
He lands at No. 9 on our list of the Rams’ most important players for 2026.
How he got here
Turner was part of the Rams’ outstanding 2023 draft class, being selected in the third round out of Wake Forest. He started his college career at Richmond before transferring to Wake Forest, putting together a terrific season with the Demon Deacons in 2022 as a third-team All-ACC selection.
He’s been a starter and a key defender for the Rams since being drafted three years ago, and he now enters the final season of his rookie contract.
2025 stats
17 games (17 starts): 48 tackles, 7 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, 14 QB hits, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery
Projected role
Turner is going to be the Rams’ starting defensive tackle once again, anchoring down the defensive line alongside Braden Fiske and Poona Ford. Though he does get a breather like everyone else, he’s an every-down player for the Rams, staying on the field for 67% of the snaps last season.
He can rush the passer from the interior and stuff the run, which allows him to stay on the field no matter the down and distance.
Additionally, he’ll most likely be a captain again, showing excellent leadership skills on the field and in the locker room.
One thing to know
Turner is one of 12 players who have recorded at least seven sacks in each of the last three seasons. The other 11 are edge rushers, making him the only interior defensive lineman to accomplish the feat. He’s also one of just two defensive tackles with at least 24 sacks since 2023.
Why he’s important
Turner is a major part of what the Rams do defensively. For a defensive tackle to record at least seven sacks in three straight seasons is impressive, an example of just how talented he is when it comes to rushing the passer. His pass-rush grade of 83.9 last season was the eighth-best of any interior defender, according to PFF, with his 69 total pressures ranking second at his position.
Turner would’ve had significantly more tackles and TFLs last season if not for missed tackles, too. He missed 13 tackles in 2025, a miss rate of 22.8%, which was among the highest for a defensive tackle.
The Rams are much better when Turner is on the field, and he’s shown that he has the stamina and talent to be out there more often than not.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 9: DT Kobie Turner
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
